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Grey spotted amanita

Amanita excelsa

A species of Amanita mushrooms, Also known as European false blusher

The cracked plaster appearance of grey spotted amanita (Amanita excelsa) caps is a common sight in Europe that also sporadically pops up in North America. This species has a long history and has been recorded and studied as far back as 1821. They contain a potent toxin called thermolabile, making those who consume it very sick if not cooked. This species is not recommended for consumption.

Cap Diameter:

8 - 15 cm

Odor:

Earthy with a general mushroom smell.

General Info About Grey spotted amanita

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Attributes of Grey spotted amanita

Cap Diameter

8 - 15 cm

Height

8 - 12 cm

Cap

8 - 15 cm diameter; domed, almost flat or concave; brown

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Adnexed; crowded; white

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

8 - 12 cm long and 1.5 - 2.5 cm in diameter; white; smooth or lined above the ring, covered in white scales below

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Firm; white

Volva

Above the bulb; pale ocher brown

Ring

Membranous; skirt-like

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Earthy with a general mushroom smell.

Body Color

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Grey spotted amanita by these plants:

Spruces, Oaks, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Grey spotted amanita

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Grey spotted amanita

The grey spotted amanita in mixed forests and forest edges. It appears in the grass, but always near the roots of trees, as it exists in a symbiotic relationship in which the two species feed each other essential nutrients.

Distribution Area of Grey spotted amanita

North America,Europe,North Africa,northern Asia;introduced in South Africa

Hunting Values of Grey spotted amanita

Dangerous, as there are toxic look-alike species that are hard to identify.

Uses of Grey spotted amanita

Grey spotted amanita is a mushroom species recognized for its edibility but with significant risks. While it may be sought after by experienced foragers, consumption requires careful identification due to potential toxicity. Grey spotted amanita should only be eaten when properly identified and prepared, as confusion with toxic relatives could lead to severe health consequences. Its collection value lies in the expertise required to safely harvest it. Always exercise caution and consult experts before considering grey spotted amanita for culinary use.

Scientific Classification of Grey spotted amanita

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Amanita

Genus

Amanita mushrooms

Similar Species to Grey spotted amanita

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Panther cap

Similar Species

Grey spotted amanita

Confusing Aspects of Panther cap and Grey spotted amanita?

Grey spotted amanita and Panther cap are similar in size, color, and habitat preferences, leading to frequent misidentification.

How to Differentiate Between Panther cap and Grey spotted amanita?

Grey spotted amanita: It typically possesses greyer tones on the cap with gray patches.

Panther cap: It exhibits brown or reddish-brown shades on the cap with white patches.

Grey spotted amanita: Features a much more pronounced, membranous white ring that grooved on its upper surface.

Panther cap: The ring on the stem is typically floccose and can be delicate.

Grey veiled Amanita

Similar Species

Grey spotted amanita

Confusing Aspects of Grey veiled Amanita and Grey spotted amanita?

Grey spotted amanita and Grey veiled Amanita are similar in size, color, and habitat preferences, leading to frequent misidentification.

How to Differentiate Between Grey veiled Amanita and Grey spotted amanita?

Grey spotted amanita: Prominent, grayish patches.

Grey veiled Amanita: Absent or very slight remnants.

Grey spotted amanita: Membranous ring and grooved on its upper surface.

Grey veiled Amanita: Skirt-like, more fleeting.

Cleft-footed amanita

Similar Species

Grey spotted amanita

Confusing Aspects of Cleft-footed amanita and Grey spotted amanita?

Grey spotted amanita and Cleft-footed amanita are similar in size, color, and habitat preferences, leading to frequent misidentification.

How to Differentiate Between Cleft-footed amanita and Grey spotted amanita?

Grey spotted amanita: Flesh does not change color significantly when cut or bruised.

Cleft-footed amanita: Flesh usually turns red brownish when cut or bruised.

Grey spotted amanita: Base of the stem is swollen.

Cleft-footed amanita: Base of the stem forms a distinct abruptly bulb.

Tips for Finding Grey spotted amanita

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When is the Best Time to Find Grey spotted amanita

Search for grey spotted amanita in late summer to early autumn after periods of wet weather. They tend to emerge when temperatures are mild, typically between 50°F (10°C) and 65°F (18°C).

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Grey spotted amanita

Moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich.

What are Some Tips for Finding Grey spotted amanita

Seek grey spotted amanita in wooded areas where deciduous or coniferous trees are dominant.
Look around places with accumulated plant debris, as these create a conducive environment for grey spotted amanita.
After rainfall, search under tree canopies where the soil stays damp but not waterlogged, which grey spotted amanita favors.
Scan for grey spotted amanita in shady spots rather than open areas, as less light encourages their growth.
Gently move aside the top layer of leaves and debris without disturbing the soil structure to locate hidden grey spotted amanita.

How to Clean and Preserve Grey spotted amanita

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How to Clean Grey spotted amanita

To clean grey spotted amanita, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. For more persistent dirt, lightly rinse under running water without soaking. Pat dry immediately to prevent water absorption and maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Grey spotted amanita

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in airtight containers, dark, cool place; humidity below 15%, well-ventilated area.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for high water content, maintains quality, consistent results.

Oven drying: Controlled temperature speeds up drying, useful for lower volumes.

Air drying: Natural method, best in low humidity and good ventilation, but slower.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Grey spotted amanita

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief immersion in hot water then cooled, to preserve texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Grey spotted amanita

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Ventilated Container Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Wrap mushrooms in paper towels and place them in a paper bag to absorb excess moisture.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Wrap mushrooms loosely in plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup yet allow some air circulation.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Store in a perforated plastic bag for a balance between humidity control and air flow.

Ventilated Container Storage: Keep in shallow, sealed containers lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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